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''I must admit I like this option a lot. I think creating a stronger pathway for players to develop into Wallabies will be very, very good for helping Super franchises become more successful in their competition,'' Pulver said.

''It would also probably provide the least interference with club rugby and be the most affordable model, and one that might be of major benefit to the Super franchises as well.''

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Pulver has been sounding out Super Rugby coaches about the plan but has also met with Rugby Union Players' Association chief executive Greg Harris about his proposal to base a development competition around universities.

RUPA's proposal, a national under-23s tournament, seeks to make the most of the playing and training infrastructure and resourcing at universities around the country and would have geographically-based clusters of local clubs affiliate themselves with universities. To date it is the most detailed proposal but would also require the most structural change.

''I am in awe of their vision in putting that plan together,'' Pulver said at the Super Rugby launch in Melbourne on Wednesday.

''Some of the issues relating to the university models might cause a little bit of friction with the clubs and also the cost potentially of setting it up and how far down the track we are in terms of negotiating with the universities, but it's clearly a model that's absolutely worth consideration.''

Some Sydney club presidents have expressed alarm at RUPA's proposal, believing it could force them into irrelevance, but at least one first-grade coach in the Sydney competition and three Super Rugby coaches see the merit in partnering with universities.

Pulver is also meeting club presidents but sent a clear signal on Wednesday that he expected all sectors of the rugby community to act in the best interests of the game.

''I would hope the clubs would support it because at some point if you are creating a third-tier competition, players have to be sourced from somewhere,'' he said. ''We are operating this country at a disadvantage by not having a third tier, a strong third tier will be a great support to our Super franchises and make them more competitive.''

RUPA's model and the national academy proposal leave room for a national club championship that would pit against each other the top clubs from Sydney and Brisbane, plus a combined ACT team and a Melbourne team.

''A national club championship is something we want to do anyway at the end of the club season,'' Pulver said. ''I love the idea … It would be a terrific thing for the game.''